Alex Espinoza, Garland, Texas boxer joins Planet Ford 635 Podcast with Olympic Trials Update
During Randall Reed’s Planet Ford 635 #3 filmed podcast, we catch up with Alex Espinoza before he leaves for the Championship Olympic Trials Match in Colorado. Planet Ford 635, recorded from the Garland 9th Street Gym Project where the now 20-year-old boxer got his start when he was only 8 years old. Our pod squad looked at the next match happening on January 6, 2024.
Plus, we covered his Olympic Trial journey with Garland 9th Street Gym founder, David Swavey and gym coach, Argie Santos. One of the hot topics was the semi-final match where the rounds were mistakenly 2 minutes each. This happened with four total fights on the same ring. It should have been 3 minutes each where a rematch would happen the next day. In preps, Alex had to run about eight miles to cut weight. He took home the WIN in the semi-final rematch with some divine intervention, redemption and strong emotions. It was a well-deserved victory!
Sheena Sharapata, Planet Ford 635 on air with: Alex Espinoza; David Swavey; Lori Barnett Dodson
Former Garland Mayor, Lori Barnett Dodson, joined to share the importance and impact of the gym in Garland as well as an exciting event in the works with Planet Ford 635 and Encore Recyclers benefiting the Garland 9th Street Gym Project mission, athletes and programs.
We all wish Alex good luck for the Championship Match on January 6. The winner is heading to Olympic Training Camp 2024 following the match.
Watch Out! The full podcast will be on the Planet Ford 635 YouTube Channel the first week of January leading up to the Championship Match. You can watch the last podcast with Olympic hopeful, Alex Espinoza by clicking here. Subscribe & stay tuned in for the latest!
For any questions on events in the works for the Garland 9th Street Gym Project, contact Sheena Sharapata at 214-477-7245 or SSharapata@WCAO.net.
On the air! Big Ford thanks to Matt Archer and Amy Karp at Dos Banderas in downtown Garland for welcoming Sheena Sharapata, Planet Ford 635 and Alma Nunez, Ford Motor Company to host a podcast showcasing David Swavey of the Garland 9th Street Gym Project and boxer Alex Espinoza who is heading to Louisiana for the Olympic Trials.
There are 12 boxers with fights starting on Monday and “when” Alex wins, he will head to the Olympics in France in 2024! He started boxing when he was eight years old through the Garland gym program and even gave up a chance at soccer for FC Dallas to pursue his dreams and focus on one sport. Stay tuned for the podcast with full content on the gym program, Alex’s journey to the Olympic Trials and some exciting Planet Ford 635 and Encore Recyclers events in the works benefiting the athletes at the gym.
Earlier this year Planet Ford 635 was honored to present several top boxers at the Garland 9th Street Gym Project with Athletic Scholarships at the Heritage Festival and also sponsor a new ring mat at the gym. Several of these boxers have gone through the program excelling in schoolwork performance on to become doctors, engineers and lawyers. Good luck to Alex from our Planet Ford team! 🥊💪PlanetFord635.com
Planet Ford has some great green news! The Society of Plastics Engineers has granted a team at Ford their sustainability award for its clever redesign of the Ford Mustang Mach-E® frunk insert. Ford’s dedicated team simplified the frunk design and drastically increased post-consumer recycled content. Created from recycled packaging including and weighing the approximate equivalent of 115 post-consumer use yogurt cups, the frunk tub for the 2023 model year goes from six pieces to one, reduces the weight by over 6.6 pounds, and drastically cuts the part cost.
“We are so proud of this team for seeking opportunities like this to deliver win-win solutions for the environment, customers, and Ford,” said Donna Dickson, Mustang Mach-E chief program engineer. “Our customers love the Mustang Mach-E and this action is a great example of how we’re not resting on our laurels, but working to make each aspect of the vehicle better every single day, whether that’s new hardware like this change or over-the-air software updates.”
Increasing the sustainability of plastics in vehicle design can help to make a beneficial impact on the environment – some estimates show that recycling plastic can reduce the carbon footprint of some plastics by 70-90%.*
“Beyond reducing tailpipe emissions from our vehicles, we are committed to increasing recycled and sustainably sourced content in our vehicles,” said Cynthia Williams, global director sustainability, homologation and compliance at Ford. “Our aspiration is to use only recycled or renewable plastic content in our vehicles, and this innovation helps bring us closer to that goal.”
Ford’s goal is to achieve carbon neutrality across its vehicles, manufacturing facilities and global supply chain no later than 2050. Ford was among the first American automakers to include its global supply chain on the Manufacture 2030 platform, inviting 3,000 Tier 1 supplier sites to participate in the program designed to help them measure, mitigate and reduce emissions. Between 2019 and 2022, Ford reduced its overall Scope 3 emissions, which include emissions from suppliers, products and other non-facility sources, by an estimated 23 percent.*
To learn more about the Road to Better and Ford’s commitment to building a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable transportation future where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams visit sustainability.ford.com. To get your own green machine, visit Planet Ford 635 at 3601 S. Shiloh Road in Garland or PlanetFord635.com.
Texas Cobra Club and Shelby Cobra Association of Texas teamed up with RAD-Rides and Planet Ford 635 for a showcase at Ford’s Garage Plano. The event benefited Trusted World out of Garland, Texas.
Local businesses came together, and in doing so, we were able to donate over $6,000 as well as clothing and canned goods. Trusted World developed an Amazon-like system where all inventory is tracked via a QR code. A counselor at a school can input a child in need and the entire family will get clothing in needed sizes and colors in addition to the food requested. It is shipped out and delivered within 48 hours. It’s making a real difference in our community.
Mission Statement: Trusted World provides the best resources, at no cost, to organizations and individuals working on someone else’s behalf. Trusted World does not work directly with the public, but instead with over 800+ Network Partners. There are three branches of the Trusted World Network:
Schools – Trusted World helps schools meet the needs of their students. Not just the child but the whole family.
Police – Trusted World’s ordering system is now on an officer’s cell phone or car computer for faster service.
Nonprofits – Trusted World removes the need for a clothing closet or food pantry. Allowing them to focus more on their core services
Mark your calendar for our next car show! We will be back with the Cobra Clubs on December 2nd in downtown Garland at Intrinsic Smokehouse for the Christmas of Hope Toy Drive benefiting Hope Clinic in Garland, TX.
Exciting news from Planet Ford 635 in Garland, Texas and Ford! The American automakers is introducing a new F-150 Lightning model – F-150® Lightning® Flash™ – a tech-forward offering that brings together most of current customers’ favorite features under $70,000.
The F-150 Lightning Flash expands on the XLT model line by adding in-demand tech capabilities, including an extended-range battery, which has a targeted EPA-estimated range of 320 miles, available Ford BlueCruise1 hands-free highway driving, and a standard 15.5-inch touchscreen for seamless interactions and navigation. The F-150 Lightning Flash customer values an EV powertrain and advanced tech features paired with a more accessible price point and the F-150’s proven ability to handle anything, whether people, pets, or gear.
“The F-150 Lightning Flash is a direct outcome of engaging with and learning from our customers. This truck combines many of the technology-forward features our customers love in our EV lineup, at a more accessible price. With an EPA-estimated 320 miles of range, the Lightning Flash is another example of the speed at which we are adapting to grow our EV business.” Marin Gjaja, Chief Operating Officer at Ford Model e.
Ford BlueCruise
Our available hands-free highway driving technology, Ford BlueCruise,2 can help make driving less stressful and more enjoyable.
The F-150 Lightning Flash comes with version 1.2, which includes Lane Change Assist, allowing the driver to change lanes hands-free by tapping the turn signal once the path is clear, and In-Lane Repositioning to help to keep the vehicle in its lane while subtly shifting position away from vehicles in adjacent lanes. It will also improve over time with software updates.
And, with a new flexible option, customers can choose to activate BlueCruise at any point during their vehicle ownership journey – at purchase, annually or even monthly – and use it when they need it. Customers can also try BlueCruise for 90 days from vehicle purchase during a complimentary trial.
Inside the F-150 Lightning Flash
– 15.5-inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen with Swipe Capability
– B&O® Sound System with HD Radio™ includes 8 speakers and subwoofer
– Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start includes Approach Detection and SecuriCode® Keyless Entry Keypad, Driver’s Side
– Wireless Charging Pad
Charging: Home & On The Go!
F-150 Lightning drivers can access the BlueOval Charge Network, North America’s largest public charging network5 with over 84,000 chargers.
Starting spring 2024, F-150 Lightning drivers also will have access to more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers, making it the largest integrated fast-charge network across the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, Ford EV dealers are also adding public-facing fast-chargers and locations to the BlueOval Charge Network.
Charging a vehicle at home is as simple as charging a phone. F-150 Lightning owners can charge overnight with the available Ford Charge Station Pro on a 240V wall outlet. To maximize home charging speed and connected features at home, they can purchase the Ford Connected Charge Station and its on-demand 80 amps of power.
1 Ford BlueCruise requires a Connected Service plan that provides regular map updates, FordPass® App, and modem activation. Ford BlueCruise-equipped vehicles come with either a 90-day trial or a 3-year BlueCruise Connected Service plan, after which purchase is required. See ford.com/bluecruise for BlueCruise availability and version details. See the Connected Services section of your Ford Account for your BlueCruise Connected Service plan status and available plan options. Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving feature. Only remove hands from the steering wheel when in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control of the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. 2 Available Feature. Ford BlueCruise requires a Connected Service plan, FordPass® App, and modem activation. Equipped Ford vehicles come with either a 90-day trial or a 3-year BlueCruise Connected Service plan, after which purchase is required. See ford.com/bluecruise for more details. BlueCruise driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace safe driving or driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. Only remove hands in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations. 3 Based on full charge. Actual range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, vehicle maintenance, high-voltage battery age and state of health. 4 Current MSRP excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. 5 Based on original equipment manufacturers(OEM)/automotive manufacturers that sell all-electric vehicles and have active charging networks. Department of Energy data as of May 31, 2023 used. Numbers subject to change. FordPass,® compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.
Electrifying news for EV owners! BMW Group, Ford Motor Company and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced that they have entered into an agreement to create ChargeScape, LLC, a new equally-owned company that will create a single, cost-effective platform connecting electric utilities, automakers and interested electric vehicle customers. Benefiting both EV customers and the electric utility industry in the U.S. and Canada, ChargeScape will unlock entirely new value that EVs can provide to the electric grid, while enabling EV customers to earn financial benefits through a variety of managed charging and energy-sharing services never before possible with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The closing of the transaction and subsequent formation of ChargeScape is pending regulatory approvals, with the company expected to be operational early next year.
Building on years of OVGIP cross-industry collaboration, ChargeScape’s single platform will eliminate the need for individual integrations between each automotive brand and each electric utility. ChargeScape’s platform will give electric utilities access to EV battery energy across a wide pool of EVs. Participating EV customers will have the potential to earn financial benefits by charging at “grid-friendly” times through flexible and managed schedules. Electric vehicle customers will also eventually have the opportunity for even more significant impact by sharing the energy stored in their EV batteries with the grid during times of peak demand through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications.
ChargeScape will enable the smart use of plugged-in EV batteries by securely providing energy data to electric utilities and system operators like aggregated demand response, alignment of charging and EV battery utilization with off-peak, low-cost hours and the availability of high renewable energy. Due to the efficient integration with participating automakers and the anticipation of high levels of EV customer enrollment, these energy services are expected to be a cost-efficient, operational benefit for electric utilities.
Transformational Opportunity for EV Customers and Electric Utilities
The development of this project comes at a time when electric vehicle sales and infrastructure growth are ramping up quickly, bringing new opportunities to address challenges for the electric grid. More EVs on the road means increased electricity demand on utilities to charge them. ChargeScape aims to provide energy management services to help support grid resiliency while looking ahead to the future of V2G capabilities that will benefit both EV customers and electric utilities.
Additionally, ChargeScape will play a role in helping to decarbonize the grid. The company’s efforts will reduce EV customers’ personal carbon footprints by utilizing electricity that comes from more readily available renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar. While seamless integration between EV customers and utilities will be key to energy management success, participating EV customers will always remain in control of their charging and energy decisions.
“Electric grid reliability and sustainability are the foundation for an EV powered future,” said Thomas Ruemenapp, Vice President, Engineering, BMW of North America, LLC. “ChargeScape aims to accelerate the expansion of smart charging and vehicle-to-everything solutions all over the country, while increasing customer benefits, supporting the stability of the grid and helping to maximize renewable energy usage. We’re proud to be a founding member of ChargeScape and are looking forward to the opportunities this collaboration will create.”
“Electric vehicles are unlocking entirely new benefits for customers that can save them money while supporting grid resiliency and increase the use of clean, renewable energy,” said Bill Crider, global head of charging and energy services, Ford Motor Company. “ChargeScape will help accelerate the true potential of the EV revolution by providing significant benefits to both utilities and EV customers through smart vehicle-to-grid services.”
“As Honda seeks to achieve our global goal of carbon neutrality, we are counting on this platform to create new value for our customers by connecting EVs to electric utilities, strengthening grid resources and reducing CO2 emissions,” said Jay Joseph, vice president of Sustainability & Business Development, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “With automakers accelerating toward the electrified future, we must find solutions like ChargeScape that enable all stakeholders to work together for the good of our customers, society and our industry by enabling greater use of renewable energy for and from mobility.”
Benefits of Working Together
ChargeScape, along with the work done to date through OVGIP, will bring managed charging benefits to more EV customers and can eliminate marketing and outreach costs for utilities trying to reach their individual customer bases. BMW Group, Ford Motor Company and American Honda have direct, multi-channel communication with their EV customers, solving a central problem for utilities that typically do not know or have an easy and cost-effective way to identify the EV customers in their service territory.
Additionally, by leveraging automaker telematics, ChargeScape intends to provide managed charge scheduling through vehicle connectivity without requiring Wi-Fi-enabled charging stations. This will support the many EV customers who do not use “smart” chargers at home, as their EVs would otherwise be unreachable for grid services.
The three founding members welcome other automakers to join in and fully unlock opportunities provided by ChargeScape’s grid service offerings once the company is fully operational.
Shop for your new electric vehicle (EV) Ford at Planet Ford 635 in Garland, TX. Get started at PlanetFord635.com.
Ford news our Planet Ford 635 commercial customer will be excited to read. The new Series 2 AC Charging Station 80 amp and expanded DC Fast Charger options are designed for commercial vehicle use and packed with new features. Coupled with Ford Pro’s charging management software, the company provides a fully integrated solution that simplifies EV charging for both Ford and non-Ford electric vehicles.
“We’re committed to helping businesses make the transition to electric easy with a single-minded focus on curated commercial charging solutions,” said Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO. “With our tailored EV consulting and portfolio of charging hardware and software solutions, we can design, implement and operate solutions for Ford and other brands that will last for many years to come. And we are not afraid to tell customers when electrification is not yet a good fit and support them with other solutions.”
The Ford Pro’s BEV Fit team offers available complimentary consulting to customers to help identify available incentives, consult on charging site design and construction, and collaborate with local utilities on energy needs.
Available now for pre-order, the Series 2 AC Charging Station 80 amp comes with features that simplify and help improve the charging experience at the workplace for fleet operators and their drivers including:
Enhanced security with RFID that limits unwanted charger access. Fleet operators can issue a unique Ford Pro RFID card1to control access to chargers enabling charging sessions to be limited to specific individuals or vehicles, by specifying day and times for access. The new RFID software also supports Ford and non-Ford vehicles unlocking the ability for fleet operators to track energy reports through Ford Pro’s charging management software.
Improved detachable cable and connector reduces time and expense of charger repairs avoiding replacement of the entire charging station if a cable or connector is damaged.
Wide range of connectivity options with cellular pre-configured and optional Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity for locations with restricted cellular coverage.
The new Series 2 AC Charging Station 80 Amp will be ISO-15118 ready and equipped to enable future functionality over the air such as advanced vehicle to charger communications that can identify and log when a specific vehicle connects. Ford Pro designed the new hardware to be ready for the future, so customers are better prepared for new electric vehicles and capabilities to come.
New LCD screen on the Series 2 charger displays step-by-step instructions to initiate charging and important information including charge duration, fault alerts, energy usage, and more.
Temperature sensors to monitor and alert for overheating by derating the charger automatically.
Extended operating temperature range of -40C (-40F) to 50C (122F) and operating altitude of up to 3500m to serve the needs of customers in more places.
The new Ford Pro charging hardware is backed by a 3-year warranty on charger parts and labor and continues to provide around-the-clock tech support to help increase uptime and productivity for customers.
Ford Pro Telematics, chargers, software and service work seamlessly to provide fleet operators and managers with a single solution to monitor their vehicle network 24/7.
Ford Pro is also revealing extended DC Fast Charger options in 180kW and 240kW giving fleet operators and their drivers more versatility at their workplace with more power and shortened charge times. Aluminum pedestals feature an improved cable retractor and a sleeker look. The new Ford Pro DC Fast Chargers are available for pre-order now at ford.to/Series2ChargerPreorder.
Ford Pro Chargers work with Ford Pro’s smart charging software to help ensure vehicles are charged when customers need them. The integrated software and hardware solution helps fleet managers optimize how, when and where EVs are charged along with utility reimbursement reporting, important for home-based drivers.
Using Ford Pro Charging solutions can also allow customers to charge more vehicles at a given time. Customers can deploy more EVs without necessarily needing to wait for an infrastructure upgrade. The software also tracks performance and provides fleet managers with insights like kWh consumption, charge speed and distance to empty, and helps optimize total cost of ownership.
Businesses can also help lower their total cost of ownership through understanding the various incentives available to them. To help ease confusion, Ford Pro has compiled commercial incentives to make it easy to find available tax credits on EV, charging equipment and charging installation costs at https://www.fordpro.com/en-us/incentives/. The company also launched a program with professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) to help give customers no-cost information to learn about IRA tax credits for which they may qualify. Available incentives include:
Up to a 30% federal tax credit on charging and installation costs2
Up to $7,500 back on each new qualified EV purchased in 20232
Hundreds of federal, state, and local EV incentives and rebates2
Ford Pro delivers an always-on, connected customer experience through a comprehensive solution of vehicles, charging, software, financing and service for all commercial and government customers. Ford Pro has nearly 125,000 fleet customers across the U.S. and 140,000 across Europe.
Ford is the leading global commercial vehicle brand and America’s best-selling line of commercial vehicles for 38 consecutive years3, featuring BUILT FORD TOUGH® commercial trucks and vans integrated with software and services such as Ford Pro™ Telematics. With more than 3,000 physical authorized service locations, Ford has an impressive support/service network among commercial vehicle manufacturers.
1RFID cards sold separately.
2Please consult with your own tax or legal professional to determine eligibility, specific amount of incentives or rebates available. The federal tax credit is a potential future tax savings. The amount of your tax savings will depend on your individual tax circumstances. Incentives and additional rebates are not within Ford’s control. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. For additional information, go to https://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/409.
3Based on S&P Global Mobility CY1985-2022 U.S. TIPNet registrations excluding registrations to individuals. TIP registrations prior to 2010 do not include all GVW 1 and 2 vehicles.
Planet Ford 635 in Garland, Texas has a newfree-wheelin’ spirit with the announcement from Ford about the 2024 Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition, a new addition to the Bronco Sport family inspired by the Ford Free Wheeling trucks, vans and Broncos of the 1970s.
The order banks opened for the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition, along with a new Black Appearance package for Bronco Sport Big Bend that adds dark, moody styling elements inside and out.
Bronco® Sport Free Wheeling™ Special Edition
In the late 1970s, Ford introduced the Free Wheeling package on F-100, F-150, Bronco, Econoline van, and more. The limited-run trim level featured graphics with red, orange and yellow gradients. The colorful option packs also added painted steel wheels, and black finishes on the grilles, mirrors, and bumpers. Inside the vehicle featured red and orange pinstriping on the dash and seat stitching.
“Bronco customers appreciate its heritage,” said Jason Hyde, Bronco Sport Marketing Manager. “After such a great response to the reimagined Bronco Sport Free Wheeling project vehicle in 2021, we decided to bring this special edition that ties Bronco Sport to its fun loving roots.”
The red, orange, and yellow sunset-inspired stripes became a focal point of the 1970s package.
“The Ford Free Wheeling package was developed to appeal to younger customers,” said Ted Ryan, Archives and Heritage Brand Manager for Ford. “The Free Wheeling Broncos were as popular as they were distinctive.”
Like the originals, the 2024 Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition features reflective red, orange, yellow and silver graphics on the body sides, liftgate, and hood.
Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition also adds a silver-painted grille with two-tone Bronco badging and a modified lower front end insert. Rounding out the exterior changes are a Shadow Black roof and 17-inch high-gloss black wheels with red accents.
The interior’s Black Onyx and Dark Space Grey finish includes sunset-colored seat inserts and ombre stitching. The door trim will add a Race Red C Channel and ombre stitching.
The Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition also includes all Big Bend standard equipment and drivetrain.
Bronco Black Appearance Package
From sunset to the stars, taking inspiration from the dark night skies in remote places is the 2024 Bronco Sport Black Appearance Package which includes a Carbon Black grille and two-tone Bronco lettering.
The Black Appearance Package also includes Matte Black 17-inch wheels, Matte Black hood graphics and a Shadow Black painted roof. Black accent trim badges and a Smoked Chrome Ford Oval will tie the exterior look together. Inside, the Bronco Sport features Sport Contour seats, and a modified air bag cover with a black bucking Bronco badge. This package is only available on Big Bend models.
“Bronco Sport customers have been asking for the stylish black finishes available on the F-150, Maverick, and Mustang, and we’re delivering with the new Black Appearance Package,” said Hyde. “It also builds on the night sky gauge cluster graphics that Bronco Sport customers see that plays a startup screen featuring the Milky Way.”
Bronco Sport will also be available in Azure Gray and Desert Sand for 2024. These two exterior colors are not available on Bronco Sport Free Wheeling or Heritage models.
Looking for your new Ford Bronco or Bronco Sport, visit Planet Ford 635 in Garland on 3601 S. Shiloh or PlanetFord635.com.
Love the design, performance and history of the Shelby Cobra? Then make sure to mark your calendar for the Shelby Cobra Association of Texas and Texas Cobra Club Showcase sponsored by RAD-Rides on October 21st, from 9-11 a.m. at Ford’s Garage in Plano, Texas. The event benefs Trusted World🌎, which is building their world headquarters on 14 acres in Garland, Texas.
Join The Event
If you would like to get involved sponsoring the event, e-mail Sheena Sharapata at SSharapata@WCAO.net. There will be amazing vehicles at the event, including GT40s, ‘65 and ‘66 Shelby Cobras and Mustangs from the two clubs.
Give Back! Donate For Families in Need
We will be collecting canned goods, clothing and monetary donations. For every 10 items, a complimentary appetizer will be provided. Imagine an Amazon like system tracking all inventory sorted with QR codes. A counselor from Garland ISD logs in and identifies a family in need. Within 48 hours the proper clothing based on sizes and food is shipped out to the entire family.
Trusted World works with over 800 partners to provide the best resources, at no cost, to people or organizations who are providing services on someone else’s behalf. To create an efficient and effective donation fulfillment process to ensure individuals facing situational poverty receive the necessary resources in a timely manner.
Schools: Trusted World helps schools meet the needs of their students. Not just the child but the whole family.
Police: Trusted World’s ordering system is now on an officer’s cell phone or car computer for faster service.
Nonprofit: Trusted World removes the need for a clothing closet or food pantry. Allowing them to focus more on their core services.
